Russians Russian Society for History and Philosophy of Science, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod and The Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences invite you to participate in the Fifth Congress of the Russian Society for the History and Philosophy of Science “The Mission of the University in the Knowledge society: Between Utilitarianism and Academic Freedom”, which will be held on October 2-4, 2026 in Nizhny Novgorod.
A modern university faces a fundamental contradiction: on the one hand, it is influenced by the logic of knowledge management, which requires demonstrating effectiveness through quantitative indicators and immediate practical application. On the other hand, its classic mission remains to produce and freely disseminate knowledge, which is inextricably linked to the principles of academic freedom.
As part of the discussion, it is proposed to consider the key dilemma: whether the university should transform into an “innovative enterprise”, whose activities are assessed by patents and external funding, or whether it should retain the status of an autonomous intellectual centre, where critical reflection and knowledge production remain the main values and are not subordinated to utilitarian tasks. Special attention will be paid to how, in the context of digitalisation and technoscience, the university can preserve its role as a space for free discussion, risky research projects and the creation of knowledge whose value cannot be reduced to immediate practical or financial returns.
Key dates:
– February 1, 2026 – completion of the acceptance of applications for organizing sections and round tables. Applications for organizing sections should include the name, a short abstract, full names of organizers, and lists of potential participants (8 for round tables and 16 for sections). Round tables and sections will include participants from different organizations. Applications can be submitted via e-mail at rshps.org@gmail.com.
– May 1, 2026 – completion of acceptance of individual applications and abstracts for participation in the congress.
To participate in the congress, you must send an email to the organizing committee by May 1, 2026 at rshps.org@gmail.com with an application (application template) for participation and an article with a volume of 8,000-10,000 characters, designed according to the template. Please refer to the attached files as “Application for Your Last Name” and “Article_Your Last Name.”
Organizational fee of the Congress participants:
Registration fee (for non-RSHPS members) is 1000 rubles. for early payment (before July 1), 2000 rubles. if it is late (before August 31). Students – 500 rubles. The fee is paid if the application for participation in the congress is approved. The details will be sent in a separate email.
RSHPS members are exempt from paying the registration fee.
THE CONGRESS PROGRAM
Plenary sessions October 2-3, 2026, 10.00 – 13.00, the list of speakers is being clarified
Invited lectures October 2-3, 2026, 18.00 – 19.00, the list of lecturers is being clarified On the third day of the Congress (October 4, 2026),
a General Meeting of the Russian Society for the History and Philosophy of Science is planned.
Contact information
The e-mail of the Congress Organizing Committee: rshps.org@gmail.com
Scientific Secretary of the Congress: Sakharova Anna Vladimirovna, hanna.lazareva@gmail.com